Center Console lights

[BroncoSport]

My '91 C2 has no light illumination on the spoiler selector knob and the three switches directly above it. I took the instuments out of the center console and I have 4 to 4.5v at the light plugs when the lights are turned on. I also check for a complete circuit on the bulbs themselves and dont have a circuit.... so bulbs are burnt out.

Anyone know of a source for replacement light boards or do you all buy bulbs and modify the boards to accept the new bulbs?

Thanks in advance

Oh also, is there any type of illumination for the P R N D 2 1 markers on the shifter?

[dewflex]

As far as the center console lights, I believe these are ridiculous expensive, look up the part numbers and do a search at some of the dismantlers. I have replaced 2 with ones that are very similar that I found at radio shack, they are ever so slightly brighter. You have to be able to solder, though.

[lucittm]

+1 on what dew said.

I just did this tonight. Get yourself to Radio Shack and buy 3 of their P/N 272-1154, these are 12V 50mA bulbs and they are a little smaller but they will fit. Remove the existing bulbs from the circuit board once you slide it out of the housing. It is held in place by plastic spring tension clips. Solder the new bulbs in and you are good to go.

I have heard the shifter illumination uses the same bulbs, so buy 6-8 of them, they are normal stock at Radio Shack. At $1.39, it is not painful. The original part from Porsche is $76.00.

Good Luck,
Mark

[surfdog4]

does that console piece that holds the switches pop out of the center console or do you have to remove the whole center console? I can't find a procedure on it and didn't want to break something or dismantle the car without need.

Thanks!

[craig001]

Those "panels" pop out fairly easily. I slide a putty knife on the side the push the clip back and then life from that side.

[surfdog4]

excellent, thanks..from the parts diagram i saw those clips but experience has taught me it's better to ask first if possible

[craig001]

Yeah, you don't have to push the putty knife blade in with a lot of force, just enough to release the clip. That plastic is getting a bit old and brittle.

[surfdog4]

i got the circuit board out and replaced the bulbs with some T1-3/4 bulbs i had leftover from a 938 instrument cluster re-do..these are 12v, 100mA bulbs..they work fine, might be slightly too bright, but my local radio shack was out of the 50mA bulbs. It was easy enough that i'll replace those someday (maybe with LEDs)